Africa’s Big Five are a famed feature of safaris out in the wild. But at Dinokeng Game Reserve, it’s possible to see lions, leopards, rhinos, elephants, and buffalos right next to a town. Located in Hammanskraal, South Africa, this park is pioneering a method of conservation in which animals roam in protected grasslands alongside a residential area. Over a decade ago, landowners took down their fences, allowing wildlife to move freely over a span of 21 000 hectares. Dinokeng has been growing ever since, and become a roaring success.
This expanse of the African savannah boasts a network of animals, birds, insects, and reptiles essential for a functioning ecosystem. From the vultures cleaning up their environment to the lions who ensure the antelope population doesn’t get out of hand, every species contributes to the balance of this dynamic landscape. There are a number of establishments throughout Dinokeng where you can witness nature in action. At Mongena Game Lodge, elephants splash about in watering holes just metres away from buildings while zebras amble past.
All of this happens in Gauteng, the country’s most populous province. At Dinokeng, urbanisation and conservation meet, proving that secure and healthy animal habitats can be maintained alongside built-up spaces. Increasing human populations and the urgent need to preserve species make initiatives like this critical. Take it from this community of wildlife and people – living in harmony is possible.
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